Our next session of Reading Theatre on April 16 will focus on Sharon Pollock’s Blood Relations. Reading begins at 2pm so please show up by 1:45pm if you wish to have a chance to read.
Download a PDF copy here, or bring your own if you have it.
ABOUT BLOOD RELATIONS
Inspired by the true story of an infamous murder case that took place in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Blood Relations is a psychological murder mystery that explores the destructiveness of a patriarchal society that often rendered women powerless. The play takes a look behind the dark history of the Borden family, where on a sweltering August day in 1892, Lizzie Borden’s parents were murdered with a hatchet. It follows a woman’s attempt to reconcile her estrangement from the so-called “normal” world and rationalize her feelings of personal guilt. First produced right here in New Westminster at Douglas College in 1976 under the original title My Name is Lisbeth, Blood Relations makes a statement about women then and now as it explores central themes of identity and the masks we wear, what is truth, and how we as a society treat those who are different in any way.
ABOUT SHARON POLLOCK
Sharon Pollock was a playwright, actor, director, teacher, mentor, theatre administrator, and critic who played an integral role in shaping Canada’s national theatre tradition. Throughout her career, she produced new works and contributed passionately to Canadian theatre for over fifty years.
Respected both nationally and internationally, Pollock was a steadfast supporter of the theatre community. She also played a major role in shedding light on the “dark side” of Canadian history and contemporary events.
Her stage plays were produced throughout Canada and abroad. She wrote for radio and television, had directorial credits at theatres across the country, and led playwriting and theatre workshops both within and outside Canada. Among her many accolades, she received a Canada-Australia Literary Award for her body of work, a Nellie Award for National Radio Drama, a Golden Sheaf Television Award, and a Japan Foundation Award. She was an Officer of The Order of Canada, a two-time recipient of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, and a three-time winner of the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Drama Award. From 2006 to 2015, she served as a dramaturg and artistic consultant with the Atlantic Ballet Company of Canada. Her final play, Blow Wind High Water, opened Theatre Calgary’s 50th Anniversary 2017-2018 season.
Reading Theatre is created for those with a passion for live theatre. A live play reading of iconic plays over the ages. All are welcome and encouraged — from the seasoned professional to the inquisitive amateur and everyone in between.
Show up and read, or listen to others read these incredible shows. A short discussion may take place…or not. This is an event led by the cast and audience.
Readers will be chosen just before the play reading begins and will be cast by those who show up and express an interest in being involved. Some roles may be double cast.
This event is being led by Allan Morgan, Senior Artist in Residence and Vancouver theatre scene stalwart. We’d love to see you there!
ABOUT ALLAN MORGAN
Allan has been a stage actor for more than thirty years. Some highlights include appearing in London, GB, Adelaide Australia, Wellington NZ and San Francisco, all with The Overcoat. He appeared for several seasons at Bard on the Beach, notably in The Tempest as Prospero, as well as King John, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing.
He has toured across Canada with the Electric Company in Studies in Motion. He has appeared at The Belfry, notably in The Drawer Boy, Dirty Blonde, and I am My Own Wife for which he received the Victoria Critic’s Award for best performance. Other favourites include Red, Thinking of Yu, and Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre for ATP in Calgary.
Allan has two solo plays: I Walked the Line; and Pride: for the young gay, the ungay and the jaded queen in all of us.
